Exploring
While visiting Oak Mountain State Park, my son and I took a walk along the Treetop Nature Trail to see the resident birds. The elevated boardwalk winds through the trees, housing several birds of prey—including owls and hawks—that have been rehabilitated but can no longer survive in the wild. It was a great opportunity for us to see these birds up close and learn about the special care they require. The walk was peaceful and easy, allowing us to focus on the different species and the surrounding forest. My son really enjoyed spotting the birds as we moved along the canopy, and it was a relaxing way to spend time together while appreciating the park's conservation efforts.
We encourage you to explore the great outdoors with your children, family and friends. Studies indicate children eight years and older spend more than 1300 hours annually in front of computers, mobile devices and televisions combined. The Bare Soles Explorers’ strives to encourage children to go outdoors, disconnect and immerse themselves in adventure. Engaging in various activities, such as playing at the park, hiking in the woods, visiting a museum, exploring a historical landmark, camping at a national park, or constructing a stick fort encourages physical, social, and behavioral well-being, and can improve a child’s academic performance. Become a Bare Soles Explorer today by unplugging from technology and exploring a destination close to home or taking an overnight road trip. Connect with our community #baresolesexplorers and share your adventures with us on social media when your exploration is done. Tag us @baresolesexplorers and we’ll repost your adventure. Build memories that will last a lifetime. Why @baresolesexplorers? Because kids love to be barefoot. We aim to empower children to embrace their adventurous nature, engage their senses, and discover creative experiences in the world around them. Furthermore, research indicates that going barefoot has health benefits for both children and adults, including stress reduction, physical strengthening, and enhanced learning abilities. While being barefoot is not a requirement to join our community, a passion for adventure and the creation of cherished family memories are all that’s needed. Will you join us? Invite your family and friends to follow us, share your adventures with #baresolesexplorers and tag @baresolesexplorers to have your adventures reposted in our social community. #baresolesexplorers #explorethegreatoutdoors #gobarefoot #activekids #naturekids #childhoodunplugged #optoutside #outdoorkids #outdoorfamilies #unplug
Driving off the Skyway into Tellico Plains, Tennessee, we stumbled upon the Charles Hall Museum & Heritage Center — a hidden gem that’s completely free to visit. Inside, a fascinating collection brings the region’s history to life, from Native American heritage to Appalachian settlers and local traditions. What truly captured my attention was the massive telephone exhibit, complete with working analog switchboards—you can actually place a call from one end of the room to the other and watch the vintage hardware make the connection. But the museum doesn’t stop there: antique sewing machines, washing machines, farming tools, and handcrafted pottery fill the rooms, offering a little something for everyone. If you find yourself in Tellico Plains, carve out some time to wander through this remarkable museum—you won’t regret it!
We recently drove the Cherohala Skyway and stopped to hike to the top of Huckleberry Knob—and loved every step… yes, even barefoot! The trail winds through heavily forested slopes filled with lush hardwoods, making it feel like a true mountain escape. This family-friendly hike climbs about 260 feet in elevation and stretches just over 1.5 miles, perfect for little adventurers. The views along the 43-mile Skyway, which spans Tennessee and North Carolina, are already stunning from the car—but reaching the knob on foot gives you an entirely new perspective. The panoramic summit views were breathtaking, and our little one had the best time exploring nature up close. Have you or your family done any hiking in Tennessee or North Carolina? Which spots do you recommend?
We stopped at the Ocoee Whitewater Center in Tennessee, best known for hosting the 1996 Summer Olympics whitewater events. The course—built with massive boulders to create manmade rapids on the natural Ocoee River—is still the only Olympic whitewater venue of its kind because it was designed directly on a natural river rather than a fully artificial channel. We walked across the suspension bridge, pausing to take in views of the river below. Even with the water low in the off-season, the peaceful setting made it easy to slow down, and our walk along the river turned out to be the highlight of the visit. Has anyone else been here?
For National Go Barefoot Day I cannot think of a better individual to take a photo with than Bigfoot. I think we can all agree he is one of the world’s most active barefooter! We invite you and your family to get outdoors today and enjoy it barefoot. Visit a playground, take a walk, go for a hike, or run around the yard without shoes. Barefoot activities are a great way to strengthen and flex the human foot. We would love to hear about the shoeless activities you enjoyed today!
Today is National Go Barefoot Day — a fun day for everyone to kick off their shoes and go barefoot! We invite you and your family to get outdoors today and enjoy it barefoot. Visit a playground, take a walk, go for a hike, or run around the yard without shoes. Barefoot activities are a great way to strengthen and flex the human foot. We would love to hear about the shoeless activities you enjoyed today!
We encourage you to explore the great outdoors with your children, family and friends. Studies indicate children eight years and older spend more than 1300 hours annually in front of computers, mobile devices and televisions combined. The Bare Soles Explorers’ strives to encourage children to go outdoors, disconnect and immerse themselves in adventure. Engaging in various activities, such as playing at the park, hiking in the woods, visiting a museum, exploring a historical landmark, camping at a national park, or constructing a stick fort encourages physical, social, and behavioral well-being, and can improve a child’s academic performance. Become a Bare Soles Explorer today by unplugging from technology and exploring a destination close to home or taking an overnight road trip. Connect with our community #baresolesexplorers and share your adventures with us on social media when your exploration is done. Tag us @baresolesexplorers and we’ll repost your adventure. Build memories that will last a lifetime. Why @baresolesexplorers? Because kids love to be barefoot. We aim to empower children to embrace their adventurous nature, engage their senses, and discover creative experiences in the world around them. Furthermore, research indicates that going barefoot has health benefits for both children and adults, including stress reduction, physical strengthening, and enhanced learning abilities. While being barefoot is not a requirement to join our community, a passion for adventure and the creation of cherished family memories are all that’s needed. Will you join us? Invite your family and friends to follow us, share your adventures with #baresolesexplorers and tag @baresolesexplorers to have your adventures reposted in our social community. #baresolesexplorers #explorethegreatoutdoors #gobarefoot #activekids #naturekids #childhoodunplugged #optoutside #outdoorkids #outdoorfamilies #unplug
"Oh, I wish I were an Oscar Mayer wiener…" or better yet, had one to eat. As we were driving through Tennessee, I heard, "There’s the Wienermobile!" from the back seat—and sure enough, there was the 27-foot-long iconic vehicle parked outside the Food City in Cleveland. It was a slight detour from our plans, but not something we would pass up. We made a quick stop, took our photo with the truck, met the crew, and then got back on the road. What iconic vehicles have you come across on your travels?
On our latest road trip, we came across the most creative park we’ve visited in quite some time. Located in Collegedale, Tennessee—home of McKee Foods—is Little Debbie Park, a sugar-filled playground full of delicious snack-themed structures. While the little one played on the rock climbs and zip lines, I went to see my favorite snack, the Cosmic Brownie. The park also features Nutty Buddy bars, an Oatmeal Creme Pie, and a Christmas Tree Cake, all designed for active children to climb and play on. It was great to see so many children, including ours, enjoying this unique playground and getting in some outdoor, screen-free time. If you find yourself just north of Chattanooga, this park is well worth the stop.
This past weekend’s hike took us over much rougher terrain than I’ve tackled in years, and it was certainly the most difficult trek our family has ever done together. The trail was steep and jagged in sections; I went fully barefoot while everyone else opted for minimalist shoes. The challenge sent me straight to doing some research afterward, where I had two major 'ah-ha' moments. First, I need to focus on a forefoot landing with smaller, quicker steps while looking 3–5 feet ahead. Second, I realized that a tight plantar fascia accentuates the impact of every rock and stone. I am now incorporating exercises to improve the suppleness of my feet, which should make the next rocky trail a lot less painful. Are you able to hike on rocky terrain or do you stick to the clay and sand paths?
Did you know it’s legal to drive barefoot in all 50 states? No federal or state laws explicitly require footwear to operate a personal vehicle. This "urban legend" was officially debunked in 1994 by Jason Heimbaugh, a student at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, who received confirmation from all 50 DMVs that the practice is perfectly legal. In fact, some safety experts argue that driving barefoot is safer than wearing flip-flops or high heels, which can easily get snagged on the pedals. Next time you’re on a long trek, feel free to set your feet free! Have you ever tried it? Let us know!
The weather is getting warmer and the days are getting longer—it’s road trip season. And on road trips, you’ve got to eat. We try to find local restaurants along our route so we can enjoy something a little different and unique to the area. When we can’t, we look for places where we can sit outdoors. Needless to say, Sonic Drivein is one of our favorite stops. The little one loves hot dogs, and I’m more of a breakfast toaster fan myself. I also appreciate not having to put on shoes just to grab lunch. What are your go-to fast food spots for a quick stop?
"If we want our children to move mountains, we first have to let them get out of their chairs." Nicolette Sowder We encourage you to share your thoughts in the comments. If you have a favorite quote about nature, drop it in the comments as well.
Today’s post is simple. We simply want to encourage you and your family to get outdoors and explore the world around you. Go for a hike, a walk, a bike ride; anything that you and your family enjoy. Tag us in a post and let us know what your family enjoys doing outdoors.
Barefoot in a museum? Why not? Many museums, especially local ones, do not have policies requiring footwear (and there are no federal or state laws that require it either). I personally enjoy local museums the most—the staff is friendly, knowledgeable, and willing to spend extra time explaining and sharing insights about the exhibits. We come across many on our road trips, and as time allows, we try to visit as many as possible. It’s refreshing that they focus more on the historical and cultural value you can learn from their museum than on what’s on your feet. Being comfortable and grounded allows me to focus on the artifacts and displays and truly take in all there is to learn. There’s nothing better than discovering a unique local museum as we explore the country.
We encourage you to explore the great outdoors with your children, family and friends. Studies indicate children eight years and older spend more than 1300 hours annually in front of computers, mobile devices and televisions combined. The Bare Soles Explorers’ strives to encourage children to go outdoors, disconnect and immerse themselves in adventure. Engaging in various activities, such as playing at the park, hiking in the woods, visiting a museum, exploring a historical landmark, camping at a national park, or constructing a stick fort encourages physical, social, and behavioral well-being, and can improve a child’s academic performance. Become a Bare Soles Explorer today by unplugging from technology and exploring a destination close to home or taking an overnight road trip. Connect with our community #baresolesexplorers and share your adventures with us on social media when your exploration is done. Tag us @baresolesexplorers and we’ll repost your adventure. Build memories that will last a lifetime. Why @baresolesexplorers? Because kids love to be barefoot. We aim to empower children to embrace their adventurous nature, engage their senses, and discover creative experiences in the world around them. Furthermore, research indicates that going barefoot has health benefits for both children and adults, including stress reduction, physical strengthening, and enhanced learning abilities. While being barefoot is not a requirement to join our community, a passion for adventure and the creation of cherished family memories are all that’s needed. Will you join us? Invite your family and friends to follow us, share your adventures with #baresolesexplorers and tag @baresolesexplorers to have your adventures reposted in our social community. #baresolesexplorers #explorethegreatoutdoors #gobarefoot #activekids #naturekids #childhoodunplugged #optoutside #outdoorkids #outdoorfamilies #unplug
You may not believe in ghosts, but there is nothing better than a good ghost story. Some of the best were written by Kathryn Tucker Windham, an Alabama native who was a journalist, author, folklorist, and storyteller. Stories like “The Face in the Courthouse Window” are immortalized in 13 Alabama Ghosts and Jeffrey, a collection of Southern ghost stories rooted in legend, historical background, and local folklore. We were near the Pickens County Courthouse and decided to stop by to see the face for ourselves. Maybe you can see it in the window, too. Windham’s career expanded beyond writing; she was also a featured storyteller at events nationwide. Through her work, she preserved hundreds of Southern legends that might otherwise have faded with older generations. What folklore or legends exist in your region of the country?
Our mission was to walk the decks of the U.S. Montgomery, a 1925 steam-powered, sternwheel-propelled snagboat operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Now dry-docked as a museum ship outside the Tom Bevill Visitor Center and Museum on the Tennessee–Tombigbee Waterway, she is one of only two surviving snagboats in the United States. What is a snagboat? These vessels were built with massive forward booms, heavy grapples, wide hulls, and shallow drafts — all designed to rip submerged trees, roots, and debris from navigable waterways. Without their work, river travel and commerce would have been far more dangerous and unpredictable. Unfortunately, due to maintenance, visitors can no longer board the ship. Still, you can stand alongside her massive hull and peer over at her towering boiler and enormous forward boom. The sheer size of the vessel is difficult to comprehend. We enjoyed standing at her side. Hopefully, one day this National Historic Landmark will be restored, and we will once again be able to walk her wooden decks and admire her mighty steam engine.
If your family is hesitant about going barefoot around others, start by going barefoot at home. Being shoeless at home provides many of the same physical and mental benefits as going barefoot outdoors—without the curious stares or unwanted conversations. The next time you tackle a project like raking the yard or repairing a deck, shed your shoes and enjoy the feel of the ground beneath your feet. Even when you’re simply relaxing indoors, allow your feet to breathe and settle into their natural shape. Scientific studies conducted over the past few years suggest that even a few hours of barefoot grounding can have a significant impact on overall health. So if your family isn’t already accustomed to going barefoot, try relaxing at home without shoes and see how it feels.